Issues of Ethical and Legal Regulation of Laboratory Animal Use in the Russian Federation
https://doi.org/10.17803/lexgen-2025-4-1-7-23
Abstract
The study is driven by the active use of laboratory animals in genomic and genetic research, which provides cutting-edge and essential scientific data. However, such research deals with significant costs and ethical dilemmas related to the humane treatment of animals.
There is no special legislation regulating the maintenance and use of laboratory animals in the Russian Federation, which requires the development of a regulatory framework that complies with international standards. It is crucial to harmonize the Russian legislation with the principles of bioethics and humane treatment of animals. This issue is also emphasized by initiatives at the level of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and instructions of the President.
The study aims to identify gaps in the existing legislation related to the treatment of laboratory animals in the Russian Federation. The research is based on the analysis of international standards, such as the Three Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), as well as the experience of foreign countries in the field of regulating the use of animals for scientific purposes.
Special attention is paid to the role of bioethical commissions in ensuring humane treatment of laboratory animals and their impact on the quality of scientific research. The study also aims to develop proposals for improving the regulatory framework, including the creation of a special legislative act regulating all aspects of work with laboratory animals.
The results of the study can be used to develop regulations and methodological recommendations aimed at improving the conditions of keeping laboratory animals and enhancing the quality of scientific research.
About the Author
Ya. A. BlazheevRussian Federation
Yaroslav A. Blazheev, Candidate of Science (Law), Associate Professor of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Law
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Blazheev Ya.A. Issues of Ethical and Legal Regulation of Laboratory Animal Use in the Russian Federation. Lex Genetica. 2025;4(1):7-23. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17803/lexgen-2025-4-1-7-23